PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Volume 37, Issue 6, December 2010

Online English edition of the Chinese language journal

Cite this article as: PETROL. EXPLOR. DEVELOP., 2010, 37(6): 709–715. RESEARCH PAPER

The technique of digital detailed reservoir characterization

Jia Ailin*, Cheng Lihua
PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing 100083, China

Abstract: To solve the problem of realizing detailed, digital and integrative reservoir characterization in the mid-late stages of oilfield
development, a set of digital methods for detailed reservoir characterization have been established on the basis of specifying the definition
of such detailed digital reservoir characterization. The method contains eight steps: (1) the analysis of sedimentation background and en-
vironment, (2) the study of isochronous stratigraphic frameworks and detailed structural models, (3) the establishment of reservoir sedi-
mentation models by identifying microfacies, genetic sand units, sand shape and superimposition patterns, (4) the establishment of a pro-
totype model geological database by determining such parameters as the size and development frequency of genetic sand units to provide
quantitative parameters for sand-body prediction between wells, (5) high precision seismic reservoir prediction under the control of a
sand-body sedimentary model, (6) the establishment of an architecture model of genetic sand units, (7) the analysis of physical parameters
of the reservoir and the distribution of fluids in reservoirs, (8) integrative and 3D-visualized reservoir modeling and remaining oil predic-
tion. The core problems and key technologies in each step are specified. The methods can provide a reference to realize detailed digital
reservoir characterization and even the construction of a digital reservoir.
Key words: detailed reservoir characterization (DRC); program; digitization; quantification; integration

Introduction the rapid evolution of information and computer technologies,

Along with the extension of oilfield development, how to
develop effective ways to recover remaining oil and enhance
oil recovery is a primary problem in every oilfield. Detailed
and reliable reservoir geology models are the basis for solving
this problem. As the key technological methodsˈreservior
characterization has been a research focus for a long time.
Driven by information and computer technologies, reservoir
characterization has gradually become more detailed, digi-
tized and integrated, and has entered a new era of detailed
digital reservoir characterization. Detailed digital reservoir
characterization is a conception system closely related to
“digital reservoirs” and the technical basis for establishing
dynamic models and the push toward digital oilfield construc-
tion[1]. However, some controversies have arisen in the under-
standing of the concept, and there is no unified or normalized
process for detailed digital reservoir characterization. In this
paper we establish a set of detailed digital reservoir charac-
terization procedures and provide ideas for the advancement
of detailed digital reservoir characterization and digital reser-
voir research.
1 Meaning of detailed digital reservoir
characterization
Reservoir characterization was initially proposed by Sch-
lumberger at the end of the 1970s. Since the 1990s, along with
reservoir characterization has become an intensively integra-
tive technique, integrating geology, seismic data, well logs,
production test and computer technologies and providing new
research methods for oil exploration and development. There
has been a gradual transition of models and approaches that
range from macro to micro, from qualitative to quantitative,
from 2D to 3D, and from static to dynamic. The technique is
entering a new period of detailed digital reservoir characteri-
zation.
Detailed digital reservoir characterization is proposed with
a view to enhancing oil recovery and remaining oil develop-
ment in the middle and late stages of oilfield development.
Use of conventional reservoir characterization software is just
one of the approaches to detailed digital reservoir characteri-
zation. The realization of high precision reservoir prediction
and quantitative depiction of the inside of a reservoir lies at
the core of detailed digital reservoir characterization, of which
there are four main aspects.
1.1 Quantification
The evolution of computer technology seemingly facilitates
the quantitative description of a geologic bodyˈhowever that
is not always the case. The descriptive characterization with
digital codes cannot meet the demand of digital reservoir
characterization, so the establishment of a quantitative reser-

Received date: 22 Mar. 2010; Revised date: 01 Sep. 2010.

* Corresponding author. E-mail: jal@petrochina.com.cn
Foundation item: Supported by the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973) (2005CB221306).
Copyright © 2010, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina. Published by Elsevier BV. All rights reserved.
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715

voir geology knowledge base with detailed and predictive sive form of research, combined with multi-disciplinary and
functions is required to characterize a detailed digital reservoir technical methods, and it adopts the most advanced technolo-
model. The quantitative knowledge of reservoir geology in- gies in reservoir characterization. In view of the current re-
cludes not only qualitative information, including develop- search and production practices, the technical methods of
ment patterns and structural characteristics, but also quantita- reservoir characterization consist of four aspects: geological
tive information, including reservoir shape, range and scale. technology, seismic technology, well loggling technology and
This information can direct the detailed reservoir dissection computer technology, and each one is comprised by several
and research on physical property parameter variations in the single items (Fig. 1). Current advancements suggest that geo-
late stage of oilfield development. logical and well logging techniques are most widely applied
1.2 Detailed to reservoir characterization. About geological theories and
techniques, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir architectural
Detailed digital reservoir characterization mainly aims at analysis and geological knowledge database of reservoir pro-
oilfields in their middle and late development period, and the totype model, are currently hot topics. Logging techniques are
key targets for remaining oil recovery are thin and poor qual- centered on the application and improvement of conventional
ity reservoirs and non-swept zones within thicker oil columns.
well logging technologies. Seismic technologies have devel-
For example, the terrestrial reservoirs in the mature Daqing
oped quickly in recent years, especially high resolution seis-
oilfield have produced from mainly 310 m thick oil zones in
mic techniques in the early field development stages, which
the early stages of production to thin and poor quality reser-
provides methods for precise structural interpretation and
voirs with thicknesses of less than 3 m as targets in the late
inter-well reservoir predictions. The computer technical pro-
stages of oilfield development. Therefore, it is very necessary
gress directly drives the development of digital reservoir
to depict the internal structure of thick oil zones after
characterization and serves as a technical platform of integra-
long-term water injection and the distribution of thin and poor
tive reservoir characterization.
reservoirs. Improvement of the prediction and precision of
Reservoir characterization applies the above four aspects to
thin and poor reservoir distributions, definition of internal
characteristics of thick oil zones and description of small carry out entire or partial, macroscopic or microscopic, static
structural changes in the reservoir cannot occur without or dynamic research into the internal features of a reservoir.
fine-scale geological research. Thus, detailed reservoir de- Because each technique belongs to different disciplines and
scription is an inevitable requirement of detailed digital res- the principles, methods and information are also different, the
ervoir characterization. reservoir aspects revealed are also different. Detailed digital
reservoir characterization must fully utilize all kinds of the
1.3 Visualization
latest methods such as cores and logs, seismic and computer
The mode of display and communication of results from technologies to comprehensively describe the internal charac-
digital reservoir characterization should feature visualization teristics of reservoirs .
and multi-information integration in order to strengthen the
3 Detailed digital reservoir characterization
veracity and comprehensibility of digital reservoir characteri-
procedures
zation, to realize multi-information and multi-result integra-
tion, and to improve work efficiency and reduce the deci- The core of detailed digital reservoir characterization is to
sion-making risk.
1.4 Integration
Reservoir characterization is a type of research work in-
volving intense integration. The application of many technical
methods, integration of multi-information and cross-discip-
linary interaction, encourages this comprehensive integration
which defines the trend of reservoir characterization devel-
opment. Digital reservoir characterization highlights coordi-
nation between the geologic, seismic, well logging and reser-
voir engineering researchers, computing as well as field engi-
neers, to establish reliable 3D quantitative geological models.
The output should describe and correctly predict the under-
ground reservoirs on a unified platform, in combination with
static and dynamic research.
2 Major technical methods of detailed digital
reservoir characterization
Detailed digital reservoir characterization is a comprehen- Fig. 1 Classification of reservoir characterization techniques
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715
realize high precision reservoir predictions and quantitative
depictions of a reservoir’s interior. Therefore, on the basis of
the latest technologies for reservoir characterization, this pa-
per proposes a set of detailed digital reservoir characterization
procedures, complying with the research from microscopic to
macroscopic scale and from entire to partial research, gradu-
ally recognizing reservoirs in separate levels or units, and
ultimately predicting the remaining oil distribution. The pro-
cedures comprise eight steps.
3.1 Depositional background and environment analysis
Geological processes are extremely complicated, affected
by many factors including climate, topography and water sys-
tems etc. Although depositional processes are complicated,
the internal structure of a depositional body usually has some
common rules. Therefore, the research on the entire deposi-
tional background and environment can identify the regularity
of sequences and sand development characteristics, providing
a basis for the prediction of effective reservoir sands.
The key techniques used are depositional mechanisms and
genesis research. The core of this macroscopic depositional
background research is to confirm the depositional system and
divide it into sub-facies. Therefore, the first step in carrying
out a digital detailed reservoir characterization is to study the
regional depositional background and environment, so as to
realize reservior features on the macroscopic scale. For exam-
ple, the major oil zone in the Daqing Oilfield is a large con-
structive fluvial-deltaic depositional system in a gentle slope
background, where the landform slope at basin floor was
about 1°, and the water level was relatively low. This suggests
that the fluvial system still retains high energy after entering
the lake and extends far into the lake basin. Under the control
of this geological background, the delta depositional sand was
thin, the mouth bar was underdeveloped, and sandstone-muds-
tone interbedding occurred. Thus the depositional background
and water system determine the reservoir scale and distribu-
tion patterns, and analysis of the regional depositional back-
ground can provide further reference for detailed reservoir
research.
3.2 Isochronous stratigraphic framework and fine struc-
ture research
Stratigraphic division-correlation and fine structure inter-
pretation are the basis for reservoir analysis. Only a rational
stratigraphic framework can actually reflect reservoir distribu-
tion and improve the precision and reliability of reservoir
prediction. At present, the most effective method is to estab-
lish an isochronous stratigraphic framework and conduct a
fine-scale structural interpretation by means of well–seismic
correlation, which are guided by high resolution sequence
stratigraphy, and by combining core, log, seismic and devel-
opment performance data. The key techniques include high
resolution sequence stratigraphy application and fine structure
interpretation.
The application of high resolution sequence stratigraphy is
effective in reservior prediction and evaluation during the late
stage of oilfield development. On the basis of core, log and
seismic data, through datum cycle identification , isochronous
correlation and internal structure analysis, the high resolution
sequence stratigraphy framework is established. Partial for-
mations are finely correlated according to low-order cycle
characteristics.
Fine structure interpretation includes micro-structure inter-
pretation and low-order fault interpretation. On the basis of
high precision surveys and processed seismic data, techniques,
such as 3D visualization, coherence analysis and horizontal
thin section, improved the interpretation precision and iden-
tiied the micro-amplitude structure and low-order faulting
effectively.
3.3 Establishment of reservoir sedimentary models
According to sub-divided sedimentary microfacies, genesis
unit sands are identified, and the spatial sand body shape and
superimposed patterns are confirmed. Sedimentary microfa-
cies analysis is the key to this step. Sedimentary facies re-
search crosses the whole process of geologic research and is
indispensable in oilfield exploration and development. With
ongoing oilfield development, all kinds of data are gradually
collected, and the researches of sedimentary facies precision
are increasing. Moreover, in the latest years, the constant ad-
vancement of outcrop analysis, dense well pattern dissection,
log and seismic technologies resulted in constant innovation
in sedimentary facies theory, and reservoir sedimentary mod-
els tend to be increasingly more precise.
The sub-divided sedimentary micro-facies aid in determin-
ing the genesis of depositional sands through outcrop analysis
and modern deposition observations, thus the shape and spa-
tial distributions of sands can be identified. So sand superim-
position patterns can be established, which provides a reliable
reservoir sedimentary model to direct the reservoir prediction.
The detailed depiction of the spatial distribution of different
reservoir sands can reveal finer heterogeneous features of the
reservoir.
Taking the Xin’erzhong block in Daqing Oilfield as an
example, detailed sedimentary microfacies research shows
that the major oil zone lies in the delta plain environments that
can be further divided into main distributary channels, branch
channels, abandoned channels, flooding sediments (natural
levees and crevasse splays) and interdistributary (Fig. 2). Of
these, the distributary channel sands are the major reservoir
facies identified and the key to detailed dissection of the area.
This kind of distributary channel sand shows sheet-like or
isolated patterns. In order to precisely depict the sand distri-
bution, the abandoned channel is identified according to some
markers, such as log curve shape, sand thickness variation and
sedimentary microfacies assemblages. Thus the sheet-like
sands developing in different channels are classified as a sin-
gle channel, and on this basis, the point bar is further identi-
fied for the internal sand correlation and architecture depic-
tion.
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715

Fig. 2 Sedimentary microfacies distribution of P I31 sub-layer in the Xin’erzhong area of the Daqing Oilfield

3.4 Establishment of a prototype model geological
database
The purpose is to establish a prototype model geological
database to confirm the genesis and unit sand shape, scale
(length, width, thickness and proportion), and frequency thus
providing quantitative parameters for inter-well sand predic-
tion. The seismic information is an important basis for in-
ter-well reservoir prediction, but due to the limitation of seis-
mic resolution, only thick sands can be predicted (usually
more than 5 m thick). The prediction of thin and thick sand
separation is difficult, yet it is the focus of remaining oil re-
covery in the late stages of oilfield development. The key
technology to solve this problem is the reservoir prototype
model geological database. The so-called prototype model
refers to the detailed model of outcrop materials (similar to
the reservoir characteristics in the modeling target area), dense
well patterns in the mature oilfield or the modern sedimentary
environment analogues.
The establishment of reservoir prototype model geological
database is an important aspect of detailed digitalization for
reservoir characterization. Sand characterization will be more
digitized and quantitative, which provides quantitative pa-
rameters to predict the inter-well reservoir and establish the
reservoir model. The prototype geologic database refers to
parameters that quantitatively characterize the spatial features,
boundary conditions and physical properties of all kinds of
sand genesis units, and all kinds of qualitative sedimentary
patterns. These mainly include a lithologic-lithofacies base, a
depositional environment and microfacies base, a geometry
base and a diagenesis base (Table 1)[2]. As to the research

Table 1 One of the geologic database series of the Luanping fan delta
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715
into the reservoir prototype model geologic database, there are
typical examples from home and abroad. The primary foreign
example is the Gypsy section study sponsored by BP, which
greatly enriches the prototype model geologic database of
fluvial facies. The domestic study was carried out on two out-
crops in Datong and Luanping respectively. Both cases are not
only detailed in description, measurement and sampling, but
also in terms of drilling and log data collection. The internal
architecture and evolution of the Luanping fan delta facies
and Datong braided river facies are completely dissected, as a
result, the reservoir prototype model geologic database for the
two kinds of outcrop is established. In addition, in combina-
tion with random modeling techniques, the prediction meth-
ods of the two kinds of sands are summarized[3].
The establishment of methods for the development of pro-
totype model geologic databases includes detailed outcrop
dissection, dense well pattern dissection, modern deposition
analogues and simulation testing. The combined application
and mutual verification of results are the best way to test these
models. But the underground geologic body usually lacks
analogous outcrops and presence of modern deposition, so the
commonly used data are core and dense well pattern informa-
tion, with the latter information most commonly used. Dense
well patterns can be either in the research area or in the ma-
ture oilfield. The prototype model geologic database with
dense well pattern dissection is at a finer scale than with out-
crop or modern depositional analogue data, but can be used to
direct reservoir research in a relatively sparsely drilled area.
At present, the application of horizontal well data and produc-
tion log data greatly improves the precision and reliability of
dense well pattern dissection[4].
3.5 High resolution seismic reservoir prediction
Seismic technologies are always an important way to pre-
dict reservoirs, and play a significant role in oilfield explora-
tion and development[5]. Detailed digital reservoir characteri-
zation must use the seismic data that provides not only the
fine structural interpretation but also the basis for inter-well
reservoir prediction. The key of the previous four steps is the
sedimentary pattern research. Under the direction of the sedi-
mentary pattern, in combination with the inter-well reservoir
distribution information contained within seismic data, in-
ter-well reservoirs can be reliably predicted. And the key
technology in this step is the development and application of
fine seismic technologies in the development stage.
The improvement of interpretation precision of seismic data
is a precondition of seismic data application in the develop-
ment stage, and provides a reliable basis for research into
inter-well reservoir variation appraisal. In view of the research
concept, fields entering the middle and/or late stage of explo-
ration and development are extremely rich in basic data and
detailed understanding of reservoir characteristics. Therefore,
seismic data processing and interpretation should incorporate
existing data and geological understandings as much as possi-
ble to form fine seismic processing and interpretation tech-
nologies with rich well data regarded as hard data and geo-
logical understandings as soft data. In view of the technical
methods, the development and improvement of new seismic
technologies can provide an effective way[6] to precisely de-
pict reservoir geometry and physical property distributions
during reservoir development and recovery and allow for dy-
namic monitoring of fluid changes during development.
Methods such as VSP, inter-well seismic, time lapse seismic
technologies, may be used, although some are immature and
cannot be popularized. However the application of such prac-
tices has shown great potential.
VSP techniques are mainly used to interpret small struc-
tures near the borehole, describe lithology and are used to
calculate fracture parameters. Combined with the seismic data
interpretation, this technique can provide parameters for res-
ervoir characterization and geologic modeling near the bore-
hole. Time lapse seismic techniques, also called 4D seismic
techniques, can be slow to produce results. Time lapse seismic
techniques, whose principle is to dynamically monitor the
reservoir through seismic information changing with time.
This technique plays a particular role in remaining oil identi-
fication in older fields and dynamic reservoir monitoring[7].
Inter-well seismic techniques predict lateral changes in in-
ter-well geology and serve the inter-well geologic modeling
and detailed reservoir characterization through inter-well
seismic imaging (including inter-well tomography imaging
and inter-well reflection imaging)[8]. The application in the
Daqing and Shengli oilfields shows that inter-well seismic
data can discriminate a formation of 23 m thick, and the
amplitude resolution can sometimes reach 1m. The reflection
of inter-well small faults can be especially clear (Fig. 3).
Reprocessing and re-interpretation of existing 3D data in
old oilfields is an important approach to improve seismic data
resolution. The major method adopted is seismic frequency
decomposition. Seismic reflections from geologic bodies with
different thicknesses correspond to different discrete fre-
quency components. A thick layer corresponds to low fre-
quency, a thin layer corresponds to high frequency and the
frequency decomposition aids in the extraction of the geologic
body with different frequency components. The combination
of different frequencies can complete the geologic character-
istics. Seismic frequency decomposition is suitable for 3D
seismic data processing and interpretation, and the resolution
is usually higher than that of conventional seismic master
frequency processing. Thus this technology has some advan-
tages in reservoir boundary definition and reservoir prediction.
3.6 Comprehensive establishment of a sand genesis unit
architecture model
After an oilfield enters the middle and late stages of devel-
opment, the key to detailed digital reservoir characterization is
not reservoir continuity but reservoir separation. All kinds of
isolated reservoirs may not be swept by injected water, wich is
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715

Fig. 3 Application of inter-well seismic data in an oilfield

Fig. 4 Internal configuration dissection of a single channel sand in the Xin’erzhong block of the Daqing Oilfield

the major areas containing remaining oil. The establishment of
a reservoir architecture model can further depict the internal
features of reservoir units, reflect reservoir separation and
ultimately describe the smallest-order sand bodies. Fig. 4 is a
dissection and correlation section from an internal point bar
configuration in the Xin’erzhong area of the Daqing Oilfield.
It enables the identification and correlation of lateral accretion
beds and can divide the single point bar band into multiple
lateral accretionary bodies. This further reveals the separation
in the internal sand bodies and reflects the internal heteroge-
neity of the sand bodies.
This step mainly uses a reservoir architecture analysis tech-
nique. In 1985, Miall et al.[9] studied the division of lower
order boundaries in the internal depositional system and pro-
posed a set of methods and theories about hierarchical bound-
ary divisions and corresponding structural units. Hierarchical
boundary analysis begins from a view of system theory, and
studies the hierarchy and configuration of the system, high-
lighting the depositional isochronism and architecture of units.
Thus the hierarchical boundary is compatible with the se-
quence stratigraphy, and can be divided infinitely but always
fits the depositional genesis analysis. On this basis, the reser-
voir structural units are widely studied at home and abroad to
finely dissect the reservoir. At present, research on fluvial
facies is highly developed. In recent years, domestic research-
ers have carried out a lot of research in this area. Jia Zhenyuan
and Zhang Changmin[10,11] introduced the research ideas and
methods of reservoir architecture from different aspects. Al-
though the terminology is different, it belongs to the same
conceptual system with reservoir architecture research, re-
flecting the hierarchy of reservoir architecture research and
pointing out the architecture element division and identifica-
tion methods. Thereafter, Yin Taiju[12,13], He Wenxiang[14,15]
and Liao Guangming[16] analyzed a delta depositional body in
view of reservoir architecture. Yin Taiju identified the con-
figuration elements for a fan delta body. Wu Shenghe, Yue
Dali and Jiang Xiangyun[17,18] analyzed the configuration of
underground meandering river point bars, guided by the ar-
chitecture analysis theory of Miall et al.[9] and based on pre-
vious modern meandering river point bar and outcrop analysis.
These research achievements show that reservoir architecture
research provides a sedimentological basis and new research
approach to further division of stratums. This allows the study
of reservoir heterogeneity in the static aspect, and provides
new ideas and methods to study the internal characteristics of
reservoirs by detailed digital reservoir characterization.
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715

3.7 Evaluation of reservoir physical property parameters great progress in inter-well reservoir prediction. What’s more,
and fluid distributions the development of 3D visualization, virtual reality and hu-
man-computer interaction technologies allow a higher degree
The previous six steps mainly aim to establish structures of
of modeling digitalization and automation and provide a tech-
reservoirs, however, physical properties of reservoirs and fluid
nical guarantee for detailed digital reservoir characterization.
distribution models are the more difficult aspect of modeling
in the late stages of oilfield development. The key technique is 4 Conclusions
reservoir parameter evaluation.
Digitalization and detail are inevitable trends for reservoir
The description of reservoir petrophysical property pa-
characterization and are important contents for “digital reser-
rameters includes quantitative interpretation, influence factor
voir” construction. Reservoirs are the core of oilfield and ac-
analysis, spatial rule analysis and inter-well prediction of
curate characterization of reservoirs is the key to oilfield de-
physical properties, as well as research into the evolution of
velopment. Detailed digital reservoir characterization provides
physical property parameters. The fluid distribution rule re-
a technical method to identify reservoirs and presents the idea
search refers to qualitative and quantitative descriptions of
to realize “digital reservoir”. Restricted by the current re-
fluid types, properties and saturations. For oilfields in the
search conditions, each step cannot be completely done. this
middle and late stages of development, predicting the reser-
paper just proposes the processes and methodology of detailed
voir physical property parameters and fluid distributions is
digital reservoir characterization, which is intended to serve as
more complicated, especially oilfields after a long-term water
a modest spur to someone to come forward with his valuable
injection. Behavior is influenced by oil zone permeability,
contributions . We hope to receive more suggestions on im-
rock cementation degree which affects the recovery ratio. Oil
provements and further developments of detailed digital res-
viscosity and physical property parameters happen to undergo
ervoir characterization.
great change during water flooding. Usually a highly flooding
zone gradually develops relatively high permeable passages
References
resulting in ineffective water circulation, and seriously affects
oil displacement efficiency, enriches remaining oil in the area
[1] Huang Changwu. Key factors to the success of digital oilfield
without water sweeping, while some low permeability reser-
program. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2008,
voirs will form blockages and reduce the oil permeability.
35(4): 436.
Therefore, for remaining oil recovery measures, the reservoir
[2] Mu Longxin, Jia Ailin, Chen Liang, et al. Reservoir fine study
physical property parameter changes must be taken into ac-
methodüstudy of outcrop reservoir, modern sedimentation
count, especially large pore distributions and control factors.
and fine geological modeling. Beijing: Petroleum Industry
The study of pure static reservoir physical property parameter
Press, 2000.
distribution cannot meet the demand of late oilfield develop-
[3] Jia Ailin, He Dongbo, He Wenxiang, et al. Application of out-
ment [19]. In recent years, the great oilfields have constantly
crop geological knowledge database to prediction of inter-well
stressed the importance of research into the formation mecha-
reservoir in oilfield. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2003, 24(6): 5153,
nism, identification method and distribution model of large
58.
reservoir pores, which benefit water plugging and profile con-
[4] Hao Jianming, Wu Jian, Zhang Hongwei. Study on fine reser-
trol to enhance the recovery ratio.
voir modeling and distribution of remaining oil with data of
Detailed digital reservoir characterization mainly aims at
horizontal wells. Petroleum Exploration and Development,
mature oilfields in the middle and late stage of development,
thus the change in reservoir physical property parameters and 2009, 36(6): 730736.

fluid distributions, especially large pore formations and dis-
tribution, should be paid plenty of attention.
3.8 Establishment of comprehensive and integrative
reservoir geological models
This analysis provides all kinds of parameters and con-
straint conditions for reservoir geologic modeling, in order to
obtain clear geologic observations. The key step is to select
the reservoir modeling method and introduce the geologic
observations, establish a reliable model and predict the re-
maining oil distribution through numerical simulation. At
present, a lot of reservoir characterization software integrates
many modeling interpolation methods and incorporates di-
verse data. This approach is not only mature in terms of 3D
display and human-computer interaction but also has made
[5] Wu Jian, Li Fanhua. Prediction of oil-bearing single sandbody
by 3D geological modeling combined with seismic inversion.
Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2009, 36(5):
623627.
[6] Li Jianrong, Wang Lei, Wang Zhui. Some key problems in
production seismology. Geophysical Prospecting for Petro-
leum, 2003, 42(2): 279284.
[7] Mezghani M, Fomel A, Langlais V, et al. History matching
and quantitative use of 4D seismic data for an improved res-
ervoir characterization. SPE 90420, 2004.
[8] Justice J H, Woerpel J C, Watts G P, et al. Interwell seismic
data for reservoir characterization. SPE 59695, 2000.
[9] Miall A D. Architectural-element analysis: A new method of
facies analysis applied to fluvial deposits. Earth Science Re-
view, 1985, 22(2): 261308.
 Jia Ailin et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 709–715
[10] Jia Zhenyuan, Cai Zhongxian. Research methods of architec-
ture. Geological Science and Technology Information, 1992,
11(4): 6368.
[11] Zhang Changmin. Hierarchy analysis in reservoir researches.
Oil & Gas Geology, 1992, 13(3): 344350.
[12] Yin Taiju, Zhang Changmin, Tang Jun, et al. Analysis on
reservoir hierarchical structure in Machang Oilfield. Journal of
Jianghan Petroleum Institute, 2001, 23(4): 1921.
[13] Yin Taiju, Zhang Changmin, Fan Zhonghai, et al. Establish-
ment of the prediction models of reservoir architectural ele-
ments. Journal of Xi’an Petroleum Institute (Natural Science
Edition), 2002, 17(3): 710, 14.
[14] He Wenxiang, Wu Shenghe, Tang Yijiang, et al. The architec-
ture analysis of the underground point bar—Taking Gudao
Oilfield as an example. Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology,
2005, 25(2): 8186.
[15] He Wenxiang, Wu Shenghe, Tang Yijiang, et al. Detailed ar-
chitecture analysis of debouch bar in Shengtuo oilfield, Jiyang
Depression. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2005,
32(5): 4246.
[16] Liao Guangming. Analysis on sedimentology system and res-
ervoir architecture of delta-shallow lake facies of Fanzhuang
in Jinhu depression. Journal of Southwest Petroleum Institute,
2006, 28(2): 47.
[17] Yue Dali, Wu Shenghe, Tan Heqing, et al. An anatomy of pa-
leochannel reservoir architecture of meandering river reser-
voir—A case study of Guantao formation, the west 7th block
of Gudong oilfield. Earth Science Frontiers, 2008, 15(1):
101109.
[18] Jiang Xiangyun, Wu Shenghe, Yu Diyun, et al. Fluvial reser-
voir architecture modeling and remaining oil analysis. SPE
109175, 2007.
[19] Feng Qihong, Qi Junluo, Yin Xiaomei, et al. Simulation of
fluid-solid coupling during formation and evolution of
high-permeability channels. Petroleum Exploration and De-
velopment, 2009, 36(4): 498502, 512.